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ISSUE ELEVEN

T R AV E L Effortless getaways

begin with Lincolnshire Co-op Travel

Treasured times

with family in Menorca

Indian itinerary immerse yourself in vibrant culture and stunning scenery

Unpacking Portugal discovering three dreamy destinations

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A B O A R D

CRUISE ESCORTED TOURING SHOW

SUNDAY 12TH JANUARY 10AM – 3PM FREE ADMISSION

THE EPIC CENTRE, LINCOLNSHIRE SHOWGROUND INSPIRING PRESENTATIONS COFFEE SHOP THE WORLD’S LEADING CRUISE & TOURING REPRESENTATIVES INTRODUCTION TO ADVENTURE TRAVEL EXCLUSIVE DISCOUNTS ON THE DAY

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What's inside...

P4-5 About us

Our travel branches Boston

Louth

Gainsborough

Long Sutton

Grantham

Market Rasen

Unpacking Portugal

Grimsby

Newark

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Italia per favore (cover image)

Retford

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Indian itinerary

Lincoln, Carlton Centre

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Smooth sailing

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Discovering Hunan

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Exploring European cities

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Anchored together

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Captured in Canada

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All Rhodes lead to Greece

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Making memories in Menorca

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Destination weddings

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Lincoln, Tritton Road

Sleaford Spalding

Book with confidence

ABTA We’re bonded by the Association of British Travel Agents, so we’re held to high standards of service, and are committed to providing you with full and clear information regarding your trip. If anything goes wrong, we’ll step in to resolve it.

ATOL Our promise to you is that we will only book your holiday with a tour operator who has a full Air Travel Organisers License (ATOL) if a flight is included. This gives you 100% financial protection should your tour operator suffer any financial difficulties.

@lincolnshirecoop @lincscoop www.lincolnshire.coop

Our pledge Lincolnshire Co-op has been trading for over 160 years, and our wealth of experience goes to show you can trust us with your money. With a wide range of operators to choose from, we can find the best option for you. Your next adventure is never too far away.

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About us

Our travel team Across our team, we have 1,021 years of travel industry experience. This includes…

Marc Butler

Manager at Market Rasen Travel Marc has 22 years of experience, having previously worked as a holiday rep for Thomas Cook in Majorca and Fuerteventura, on a Disney Cruise Line in entertainment, and as an elf in Lapland, before joining our company 14 years ago.

In the last year, we’ve booked trips for 23,077 customers across our 13 travel branches.

84% of our bookings were from returning customers. *According to our Customer Service Questionnaire for the financial year September 2023-24.

Laura Eastwood

Manager at Sleaford Travel Since 2006, Laura has worked as cabin crew, initially for Monarch Airlines, before moving to Australian airline, Qantas. She began working for Lincolnshire Co-op mid-2021 but continues to work as cabin crew part-time.

Bex Eaton

Travel Consultant at Grantham Travel Bex began her travel career on a ski resort in Canada. She then went onto live in New Zealand, America, and Australia, as well as working and travelling all over Europe with Contiki, and spending some time working on a Royal Caribbean cruise ship.

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100% of our customers would recommend us*.

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3,000 Christmas gifts donated Our customers helped spread some festive magic by donating £12,370 throughout 2024 and dropping off gifts in our branches in the run up to Christmas. These donations supported 14 local good causes, who each distribute Christmas gifts to children and young people from disadvantaged backgrounds. For many, these presents may be the only ones that they receive.

Thank you for your generous donations.

About us

We are... ...there when you need us A customer at Grimsby Travel had booked a holiday, but when a conflict broke out nearby their chosen destination, they no longer wanted to visit. However, the terms and conditions outlined a 70% cancellation charge. After lots of research and phone calls, our colleague, Kelly Bryant, was able to rebook the customer’s holiday for a different destination, saving them thousands of pounds and ensuring a relaxing holiday.

...delivering a personal service Retford Travel’s Assistant Manager, Ewelina Bialachowska, supported a customer struggling with anxiety and physical health issues. The customer wrote in to say how grateful she was for Ewelina’s help, expertise and understanding from beginning to end. They said: “She did this with empathy and lack of judgement as I was blatantly stressed. Then, when I went back for further help about day trips, she was incredible, supportive and generous with her time. Superb service. I have recommended her to friends already.”

...offering expert advice Amanda Hurry, Travel Consultant at Tritton Road Travel in Lincoln, helped a lady who was due to travel to visit her daughter in Australia the next day, but had not yet managed to get a visa. Amanda was determined to find a solution and used her experience and expertise to get the visa issued within a matter of hours.

...ensuring stress-free breaks When a couple who had never flown before and had an extreme fear of heights came in to Grantham Travel, Travel Consultant Diane Andrews offered them support and reassurance. She let Birmingham airport know about the gentleman’s fear of flying, which they gave him a lanyard so he could get looked after. When the customers returned from their holiday, they came back to see Diane to tell her she has changed their lives.

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Canada

Captured in Canada Laura Eastwood, Manager at Sleaford Travel, recently embarked on an exciting five-part trip to Western Canada booked with Newmarket Holidays.

Banff

After an eight-hour flight with Air Canada from London Heathrow, Laura landed in Calgary.

Before her two-night stay in the town of Banff, Laura stopped in Alberta to visit Two Jack Lake, a popular attraction for both swimming and ice skating, depending on the season, and Lake Minnewanka, a tourist hotspot for boat cruises dating back to 1889.

Laura stayed at The Elk and Avenue Hotel which is a six-minute walk from the famous The Spirit of Christmas store, where she did some early festive shopping. She visited the Instagrammable sights of Surprise Corner and the Fairmont Banff Springs, and enjoyed a gondola ride up to the top of Sulphur Mountain and a walk to the iconic Banff sign, followed by an evening meal at the Three Bears Restaurant.

Lake Louise and Jasper

Laura visited Lake Louise, known for its vibrant turquoise colour and mountainous settings, and the Chateau Fairmont, an exceptional five-star fine dining hotel. On the way to Jasper, Laura stopped at the Athabasca Falls, a stunning natural waterfall in Jasper National Park surrounded by plentiful mountains, forests and walking trails.

Sun Peaks

Sun Peaks is Canada’s second-largest skiing area with over 4,270 acres of skiable terrain across three mountains where you can also enjoy dog sledding and snowmobile rides. If the summer is more your season, enjoy hiking, playing tennis and delicious dinners in the sun. Laura stayed at Nancy Greene’s Cahility Lodge, located on some quiet slopes, perfect for a ski-in/ski-out experience.

Vancouver

Nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the Coast Mountains, Vancouver is known as both popular with tourists and an ideal place to live due to its scenic views and mild climate. Laura made a stop in the town of Hope, famous for the filming of action classic Rambo and being the chainsaw carving capital of the world. She also enjoyed an evening meal at the Top of Vancouver Revolving Restaurant, taking in exquisite views from 553 feet above the city.

Whistler

Laura’s final destination was Whistler, one of the best ski resorts in the world. Upon arrival, Laura had a tour of the Listel Hotel’s wine cellar, with the oldest wine amongst the 15,000 bottles dated back to 1961, and a tour of the Fairmont Chateau Whistler hotel followed by a four-course dinner. Laura ended her tour on the Ziptrek Eagle tour, flying down five ziplines from Whistler Mountain across to Blackcomb Mountain and back again, surrounded by magnificent rainforest scenes.

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Greek island

All Rhodes lead to

Greece

Rhodes, an island rich in history and culture, offers one of Europe’s best-preserved medieval towns, an ancient acropolis, and stunning archaeological sites - all set against a backdrop of beautiful landscapes and a warm Mediterranean climate.

Amanda Keeley, Travel Assistant Manager at Newark Travel Branch, visited the Greek island of Rhodes with TUI in early May 2024.

During her trip, she explored an array of accommodations and activities that made this destination unforgettable.

She said: “In Rhodes, there’s something for everyone, whether you’re searching for adventure or want to relax on the beach with a book in your hand.

“If you’re longing for a sandy beach to sink your toes into, look to Lindos. It’s here that you’ll find rooftop restaurants, winding cobbled streets, and the breathtaking ancient acropolis, which sits proudly above the charming old fishing village.

“Lindos is a must-see, however if you’re wanting to explore, I would recommend visiting early in the day or evening, as it can get very busy and hot around midday.

“We were lucky enough to enjoy a walking tour here during our trip, which was led by an incredibly knowledgeable tour guide. TUI customers also get access to a free app, called ‘Dig Past’, which shows you what points of interest would have looked like in the past – this was a great addition to the tour!

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“Rhodes Town’s Mandraki Harbour has a rich mythological history, and Rhodes itself is named after the goddess Rhodos, wife of the sun god Helios. The stories surrounding this island are as captivating as the sites themselves.

“As on any Greek island, the food was phenomenal; a favourite of mine was Mylos restaurant, which is located within the adults-only Atlantica Imperial Resort. The resort itself was quite traditional, offering rooms with beautiful sea views at reasonable prices and relaxed entertainment during the evenings.

“It was well located, only a short walk from outside amenities. All the staff were helpful and friendly, which was reflected in the number of returning guests that we encountered.

“We also visited TUI Sensatori Atlantica Dreams resort, which was family-friendly and a bit livelier, with lots of activities on offer, a DJ playing music, and bean bags on the beach-front; it had a bit of a Mykonos vibe to it!

“Despite a more modern appearance, it was interesting to see some ancient antiquities dotted throughout the hotel complex. Both resorts were great options, depending on what you’re looking for.”

THE TUI SALE IS NOW ON Save up to £300 per booking*

* (Offer details correct at time of going to print on 18/12/2024) Save £100 per booking when you spend £1000 or more/Save £200 per booking when you spend £2000 or more/Save £300 per booking when you spend £3000 or more. Only one of the three discounts can be applied on an individual booking. Please see https://www.tui.co.uk/destinations/info/booking-terms-and-conditions or the relevant brochure for booking terms and conditions.

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Family break

Making memories in

Menorca Finding the perfect family holiday is easy with the help of one of our travel experts.

Emma and Jake Bramwell booked their honeymoon in the midst of planning their wedding, all while parenting their 1-yearold daughter. Tritton Road Travel in Lincoln made this a stress free process, providing many recommendations of toddler friendly destinations and making checks to ensure there was a cot in the hotel room. Booking through the branch meant the couple had one less thing to worry about with their big day upon them.

They booked a package holiday with Jet2holidays, which the couple described as being 'so easy'. It included their flights, transfer and hotel, Aparthotel Princesa Playa located in Cala'n Bosch.

Jake said: “We loved our first family holiday abroad. Menorca was perfect – sunshine, great food, beautiful beaches, and traditional sights to see.

“Our room was a bit extra as we opted for an apartment, which gave us some space when our daughter went to bed. We would spend our evenings sat on our balcony with drinks and snacks to enjoy the sunset views.

“The hotel had some amazing facilities for children, including two pools and a play park. We also had some great food at mealtimes, and our daughter certainly made the most of the buffet and ice cream."

Emma said: “Outside the hotel, we enjoyed exploring the sights Menorca had to offer. We visited Cala'n Bosch, a resort located on the southwest coast which had a gorgeous beach surrounded by restaurants and shops, and is also home to the stunning El Lago Marina.

“We also walked around Ciutadella de Menorca, a port city on the west coast of Menorca known for the Cathedral-Basilica of Saint Mary built in the 1300s and its medieval streets – you can also get some great ice cream!

“If you’re a family who are searching for a week or two of relaxation and exploring, not only would I suggest this holiday but I would definitely recommend booking through a Lincolnshire Co-op travel branch.”

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Need some family holiday inspo?

Why not enjoy the summer sun in one of these…

Lanzarote, Spain Corfu, Greece Algarve, Portugal Antalya, Turkey Nice, France Costa del Sol, Spain Crete, Greece

B E H T T S E B E H T T T S S E E B B E E H H T T T T S S E E B B E E E H H H T T T T T S S E E B B E E H H T T T T S S S E E E B B B E E H H T T T T S S E E B B E E H H H T NEXT SUMMER SORTED? T T T T T S S E E B B E E H H T T T T S S E E E B B B E * E E H H T T T LOW 60PP DEPOSIT T S S E E B B E E H H T T T T T T S S S E E B B ABTA & ATOL PROTECTED E E H H T T T T S S E E B B B E E E H H H T T T T MILLIONS OF FREE CHILD S S E E B B E E H ‡ H T T T T T S S E PLACE HOLIDAYS E ES B B E E H H T T T T S S E E B B E E E H H H T T T T T S S BOOK WITH THE BEST E E B B E E H H T T T T S S S E E E B B VIATLINCOLNSHIRE CO-OP TRAVEL THE B E H T T S S E E B B E E H H H T T T T T S T S E E B B E E H H T T T T S S E E E B B B E E E H H T T T T S S E E B B E E H H T T T T T S T S E S E B B E E H H T T T T *T&Cs apply, please see your local Independent Travel Agent for further details. Full payment www.lincolnshire.coop/storefinder required by balance due date. ‡One free child place per two paying adults. Subject to availability.

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Destination wedding

Say 'I do' to a destination wedding Your wedding day can be one of the most magical moments of your life - or one of the most stressful!

However, you can alleviate some of those stresses by choosing a destination wedding. Not only can it be more affordable, but it maximises your chances of sunshine and allows you to keep the guest list intimate.

When you book with Lincolnshire Co-op Travel, our expert team is on hand to help make planning a breeze, ensuring you can kick back and relax when it really matters.

Check out our colleagues’ top wedding destination recommendations: Malta

This Mediterranean gem, located just south of Italy, is a short three-hour flight from the UK. It stays hotter for longer than many other European destinations, giving you more flexibility with your date. Malta’s rich history means there’s plenty of stunning buildings to choose from when selecting a venue, and the ancient buildings, hidden caves, and golden beaches serve as fantastic backdrops for photos. When it comes to food, you won’t be disappointed. Local cuisine includes plenty of fresh fish, locally grown vegetables, and classic Mediterranean herbs.

Mauritius

For ultimate romance, look no further. This tropical island sits 600 miles from Madagascar in the Indian ocean and is teeming with life. The lush greenery and sparkling white beaches paints a picture of paradise, and is an idyllic setting for weddings and honeymoons alike. Picture exchanging vows with a backdrop of turquoise waters and palm trees, posing for photos in the rainforest, or sharing your first dance with soft sand beneath your feet. Mauritius offers tranquillity and luxury, making it the perfect destination for this once in a lifetime event.

Las Vegas, USA

Looking for something fun, unique and a little less formal?

Vegas is the perfect spot for an intimate, spontaneous celebration. You could choose to have an iconic Elvis ceremony or say your vows within the Red Rock Canyon; whatever your style, Vegas will deliver! There’s lots to keep you entertained beyond the special day itself, including sightseeing, helicopter tours and of course, the casinos.

Plus, the location is perfect for a honeymoon in the nearby Caribbean.

Our travel team are on hand to make your wedding dreams a reality!

Get in touch with your local branch today to start planning.

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ABTA No. Y6633

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Portugal

Unpacking Portugal

Portugal is a treasure trove of stunning beaches, compelling history, and fantastic food. With so many incredible areas to choose between, deciding on the destination for you is an exciting adventure in itself.

Lisbon

Madeira

Lagos

This Portuguese island is the perfect destination for nature lovers, with subtropical forests, dramatic cliffs, and inviting beaches lying in wait.

Offering some of the much-loved Algarve’s best beaches, Lagos is the perfect destination for sun seekers.

Sand beaches, shallow clear waters, and a fringing of yellow rock cliffs is characteristic of the local area.

Portugal’s vibrant capital makes for the perfect city break. It offers a cosmopolitan feel, electric nightlife, great food, medieval history, and its coastal location sets it apart from many other European city breaks.

Breaking away from the beaches, boat tours will take you to unforgettable sea caves and astonishing sea life, including whales, turtles, and most famously, dolphins.

Within the town’s centre, you’ll find delicious seafood, cobbled streets and ornate churches.

As you wander the colourful streets, you’ll stumble upon mesmerising viewpoints and unique architecture.

Attractions include the gothic São Jorge Castle, daytrips to nearby towns Sintra and Cascais and the Mosteiro dos Jeronimos museum, among many more.

The majestic landscape lends itself to a variety of outdoor activities, including watersports, hiking, canyoning and more. When you’re not exploring the great outdoors, you’ll be visiting traditional taverns and restaurants, sipping on a glass of wine from a local vineyard, or playing a round of golf.

Hear from our colleagues

Jessica Adams, Senior Travel Consultant at Louth Travel, and Stella Wilson, Cruise Specialist at Carlton Centre Travel in Lincoln, visited Lisbon with Cunard.

Stella said: “The walk from the city centre to the port was very picturesque; despite the notoriously hilly terrain, the main sights are all relatively compact, so it’s easy to get about and you can pack a lot in during a short stay.

“The city’s trams are an attraction within themselves; the vintage yellow and white streetcars have an old-fashioned charm to them and can take you on some great sight-seeing routes.”

Jessica said: “Lisbon has a slower pace to many other busy capitals, and was lovely to browse market stalls and try a traditional portuguese tart in a local café.”

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Embark on an adventure like no other with Cunard with experiences from overnight stays in Rio during Carnival and Amsterdam on New Years Eve, the Cunard Queens new voyages bring all sorts of possibilities.

Queen Anne South America Discover 82 nights

Queen Elizabeth New Fly-Caribbean Season

Queen Anne Spain and Portugal Triple on Board credit included

Queen Victoria Fly Med Triple on Board credit included

Plus enjoy Triple on board credit on selected 2025 and 2026* voyages and make your Cunard voyage your own with everything from Spa Treatments designed to melt stress away, extraordinary dining inspired by the regions we sail, to cocktails and drinks that are made your way.

Speak to you local Lincolnshire Co-op travel consultant for more information. *Terms and conditions apply, ask in branch for details.

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Italy

Italia, per favore As well as being the birthplace of pizza and pasta, Italy serves up breathtaking scenery, historical and artistic treasures, and warm hospitality.

Lake Garda A holiday to Lake Garda has so much to offer.

The sparkling blue lake is perfect for swimming in warmer months, and the shoreline - framed by rocky terrain and dramatic mountain backdrops features surprisingly sandy spots for lounging.

When you’re not relaxing with a book in your hand or sipping on an Aperol spritz, there’s plenty to explore, too. You can choose to hop on the ferry to explore a neighbouring town, or take a bus trip to a nearby city, like Venice, a town famous for its gondolas and carnival celebrations, or Verona, where you’ll see Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet come to life through a series of significant landmarks.

Santa Margherita, Ligure

Customers Kai Hayman and Catt Wright enjoyed a four-day trip to Rome, booked through our travel branch in Spalding.

Kai said: “We absolutely loved exploring the city, the weather was perfect, and the sights were stunning. The staff at the Co-op were very helpful in arranging excursions and transport for us."

This harbour on the Italian Riviera offers luxury, fantastic food, and a great base to explore more of the Italian coast. Buildings along the coast are predominately painted in hues of yellow, orange and pink, and lush mountains frame the quaint village. Despite it’s beauty and convenient location, Santa Margherita remains comparatively quiet, giving it a more exclusive, laid-back feel.

Trains in Italy are reliable and frequent, and Santa Margherita’s train station is conveniently located, providing you access to a range of equally beautiful towns, including Portofino, Camogli, Rapallo or Cornigila. Each one offers a different experience; you could ride a cable car up into Rapallo’s mountains, explore Castello Brown in Portofino, or wander Cornigila’s secluded streets.

Dolomites If you’re an outdoorsy type, look no further! This mountain range in northeastern Italy could be your dream destination. During the winter season, the dramatic landscape serves as a fantastic ski resort, but in the summer it’s totally transformed, and is the perfect backdrop for a peaceful hike. If you’re feeling daring, there’s opportunities for mountain biking or climbing, too.

Aside from the incredible adventures to be had, the region is dotted with picturesque villages, and has a rich cultural heritage, with influences from both Germany and Italy. Some local people still speak Ladin, which is a variation of Latin. You can find incredible alpine spas and wellness centres, where you can relax surrounded by unfathomable natural beauty.

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Here at Just You, we’ve been dedicated to crafting holidays specifically for solo travellers for nearly 25 years, bringing people together to share the joy of travel is our passion. With over 100 holidays across six continents, we’ve got something for everyone so we’re sure you can find your perfect holiday.

Best of all, you’ll be with a group of like‑minded people who share a love of travel and sense of adventure. It’s one of the many things that makes a Just You holiday amazing. Our award‑winning escorted tours include so much from hand‑picked hotels, genuinely incredible authentic experiences, local flavours and, expert Holiday Directors – so you can feel confident you will be looked after from start to finish. ✓ Own room guaranteed ✓ No single supplement ✓ Expert Holiday Directors ✓ Incredible experiences 8 DAYS FROM £1,588

Treasures of Andalucia

Return flights from BHX or EMA

Breathtaking New Zealand

Return flights from BHX & MAN

18 DAYS FROM £7,528

14 included meals Feb 25– Nov 25

19 included meals Oct 25 – Nov 26

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VISIT YOUR LOCAL LINCOLNSHIRE CO-OP TRAVEL BRANCH TO BOOK YOUR JUST YOU SOLO TOUR

India

Indian itinerary

Known for its vibrant culture and stunning scenes, India is the world’s seventh-largest and most populous country, famously home to sights like the Taj Mahal and the Sri Harmandir Sahib.

Charlotte Davey, Travel Assistant Manager at Carlton Centre Travel in Lincoln, and Sophie Kirtley, Travel Consultant at our travel branch in Spalding, had the opportunity of a lifetime to go on the India Golden Triangle Tour with Titan, which includes many mesmerising sights.

Here are Charlotte and Sophie’s top recommendations for anyone thinking about an Indian getaway…

The Taj Mahal and Red Fort

Charlotte said: “The Taj Mahal and Red Fort in Agra are definitely must-sees! The Taj Mahal was commissioned by Shah Jahan, the fifth Mughal emperor, as a tomb to be built for his favourite wife, while the Red Fort was where they lived.”

Sophie said: “We left our hotel at 5am to arrive at the Taj Mahal for sunrise, as this is when the gates open to the public.

Our tour guide Vivick was amazing; he took his time to explain the backstory to the Taj Mahal’s architecture and why it was built. I’m so happy to tick this incredible attraction off my bucket list!”

Amber Fort and Palace, Jaipur

Sophie said: “We stayed at the luxury ITC Rajputana Jaipur hotel for two-nights. Our first day included a sightseeing tour of the 'Pink City' where we wondered through the markets and visited the City Palace. The second day, we had a jeep ride to the top of Amber Fort and spoke to the local people about the different religions in India.”

Charlotte said: “The Amber Fort, constructed from sandstone and marble, consists of four courtyards, palaces, halls and gardens. This had some fantastic buildings and gardens on site which all had great architecture and history. We visited lots of traditional shops situated within the fort for souvenirs, saw elephants and had the opportunity to get henna tattoos.”

Ranthambore National Park

Charlotte said: “The National Park is home to a vast amount of wildlife, each with their own beautiful and unique characteristics. We were lucky enough to see tigers, deer, monkeys, sloth bears, marsh crocodiles and many different native birds! It was truly a remarkable experience.”

Sophie said: “We had so much fun at the National Park, with a full day comprised of two different jungle drives. In the morning, we drove past lots of animals and took in the scenery and peaceful settings. At one point we stopped near some lakes to listen and watch the jungle life from our jeep. In the afternoon, we drove to do some tiger spotting, listened to their roars and watched them in their natural habitat. Everyone was so excited afterwards and I will never forget this day!”

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Choose the tour that gives you more Choose an escorted holiday with Titan Travel and you'll discover that we’re all about you seeing more, doing more and experiencing more. That’s why we meticulously plan our tours so that our expertly crafted itineraries include so much.

From incredible experiences and activities that really get you to the heart of each destination to our expert tour managers and local guides, once you book your trip, you can relax knowing that everything has been taken care of, even your home pick-up service to and from the airport. You really do get more with award-winning Titan tours…

10% off all tours* Speak to you local Lincolnshire Co-op travel consultant for more information or to book.

*Valid on new bookings only, cannot be retrospectively applied. Discount cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. Book by 31 January 2025 and quote 10WOR when booking. Available on all departures departing 1 January 2025 onwards. The 10% discount is available for the standard price of the tour only; any upgrades or additional packages added will not be eligible for the discount.

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Cruise

Smooth sailing

Catherine Rose, Cruise Specialist at Sleaford Travel, and Ellie Burgin, Travel Consultant at Gainsborough Travel, went on a Fred. Olsen cruise, visiting destinations in Finland and Germany, before returning to the UK via Dover.

A cruise is a great way to see multiple destinations in a short space of time and can be as relaxing or on-the-go as you want it to be, making it suitable for a wide range of travellers.

Finland is a Nordic country, with Russian and Scandinavian influences combining to create a fascinating holiday destination.

Our colleagues joined the tour in Helsinki, Finland’s capital and home to a magnificent cathedral, which can be seen from the sea. It’s a stunning sight; white walls and green dome-like roofs, decorated with gold stars and crosses, and supporting stone statues. Helsinki is an artsy place, fantastic to wander around, with lots of little coffee shops and markets to discover.

Catherine said: “After the cathedral tour, we went to Turku’s centre and had some time to explore independently, before travelling as a group to the Aura River. Here, we embarked on a private sightseeing boat cruise, which followed the river past Turku Castle and the downtown area, before harbouring at Ruissalo.”

Once aboard the Fred. Olsen ship, our colleagues made their way over to Turku, which is Finland’s oldest city. Here, our colleagues went on a tour, learning about the area’s history and savouring the sights.

Ruissalo forms part of Turku’s archipelago, a collection of around 20,000 islands, varying in size and some more developed than others. It offers an opportunity for a different kind of island hopping, leaning into a nomad lifestyle. Next, our colleagues headed to Germany.

Catherine said: “We began our tour at the cathedral, as there was a planned closure later in the day due to a wedding. We were able to learn about its history and enjoyed walking around inside – unlike many European cathedrals, entrance here was free."

Turku Cathedral holds strong national significance; it’s the mother church of the Lutheran Church of Finland and has been for seven centuries.

Ellie said: “We arrived in Wismar and were immediately struck by the city’s rich history.

There was plenty of interesting architecture, and we enjoyed a guided walk along cobbled streets with gothic houses, baroque buildings, and renaissance façades.

“We concluded the tour at a nostalgic microbrewery dating back to the Middle Ages and enjoyed a freshly brewed German beer and had a traditional pretzel to eat.”

Catherine said: “In between stops, we also had some sea days, but there was plenty to do onboard; you could attend talks on nautical chart reading, take part in cooking classes, and much more.

Ellie said: “The staff onboard couldn’t do enough for you, the ship was classy and clean, with beautiful décor and all the amenities you could need.”

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Moments that last seconds Moments that last a lifetime

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines... we’re big on the little moments.

With FREE On-Board Spend on over 100 sailings you can create even more special Fred. Olsen moments. Plus, enjoy up to £220pp in additional savings on selected cruises, including offers tailored to Solo Travellers.

Visit your local Lincolnshire Co-op Travel branch for more information. www.lincolnshire.coop/storefinder

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Terms and conditions apply. Offers valid for new bookings made between 26/12/24 – 28/02/25 inclusive, on selected cruises and are not combinable with other offers or saver fares. Prices shown are per person, based on two sharing, unless otherwise stated, are capacity controlled and may change at any time, and were correct at time of going to print in December 2024. Visit fredolsencruises.com/legal/terms-and-conditions for full details. E&OE.

China

Discovering Hunan

Karen Norsden Manager at our travel branch in Grimsby, went to Changsha and Zhangjiajie in Hunan, China with operator Wendy Wu. Travelling as part of a tour meant that the operator took care of her visa, planning and necessary reservations. Karen was able to go with the flow and take in each and every incredible moment.

Karen’s top 4 must-see locations…

72 Qilou in Zhangjiajie

As well as being a cultural landmark, this ancient city offers shopping, dining, and evening folk performances and light displays; it's recommended to visit at night so that you’re able to fully experience all of this. The area is very architecturally interesting and unique too, consisting of 72 different shaped stilted buildings, the tallest being an impressive 109.9 metres.

Orange Island in Changsha

Located in the middle of the Xiangjiang River, Orange Island is home to a striking statue of Mao Zedong, a prominent communist leader in the 1950s. Karen took an evening boat trip to see the iconic synchronised light show that stretches along the riverside buildings.

Zhangjiajie National Park

The landscape is incredible, consisting of mountains so steep, they resemble massive tree trunks. Their unique shape is the result of millions of years of erosion, and when you view them from above, the low fog gives the illusion that they’re floating. It’s a surreal experience, the area is regularly compared to scenes within the film Avatar.

Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge

The Grand Canyon is about a 40-minute drive from the east gate of Zhangjiajie National Park, and above it spans the longest and highest glass bottomed bridge in the world. While walking across can be a bit nerve-wracking, the views are extraordinary, as you’re able to peer into the depths of the canyon from 300 metres above ground.

Karen’s trip to Hunan was a seamless blend of culture, nature, and adventure, making it clear why this region is on the bucket list for many travellers.

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Experience the Extraordinary in China

From world-renowned icons to amazing hidden gems Award-winning escorted group tours with authentic culture experiences Tours include return international flights, all hotels, meals, expert guiding, all sightseeing & entrance fees, all transport in destination, visa fees & visa service

SPECIAL OFFER - Limited Time Only Choose Partner Flies Free or 50% Off Solo Airfares when you book by 28 February 2025.

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NATURAL TREASURES OF CHINA

Beijing & the Great Wall | Xian & Terracotta Warriors | Giant Pandas 3 Night Yangtze River Cruise | Zhangjiajie National Park | Shanghai

Changsha | Zhangjiajie National Park | Fenghuang Ancient Town Giant Pandas | Huanglong Pools | Nine Villages Valley | Chongqing Black Mountain Valley | Dazu Rock Carvings

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UK’s Number 1 China Specialist | Award-winning tours & service | Return flights included | Authentic cultural experiences Outstanding National Escorts | Hassle-free visa service | Max group size 28 www.lincolnshire.coop/storefinder Terms and conditions apply.

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Europe

Exploring European cities

Amanda Hurry and Wendy Fields, Travel Consultants at Tritton Road Travel in Lincoln, took a European cruise with operator P&O Cruises, visiting cities in Germany, Netherlands, Belgium and France.

Hamburg Hamburg is home to one of Europe’s largest harbours and has a network of canals running through the city, so it feels like a natural stop for a cruise tour. There’s a convenient and easy to use metro system in place, so getting around is easy. If you choose to walk however, you will get to experience some fantastic architecture along the way; whether that’s St Michael’s Church, which offers a stunning view from the bell tower, or the more modern concert hall, Elbphilharmonie, which is a renovation of a former harbour warehouse.

Amsterdam This creative city offers an abundance of unique experiences and is home to some fantastic museums and art galleries, such as the Moco Museum, which exhibits a range of contemporary art and installations, or the Heineken Experience, where you can learn all about the company’s history and the brewing process. The house where Anne Frank went into hiding has become a not-for-profit museum, telling Anne’s story through a series of quotes, photos, videos, and many original items. If you’re wanting to visit, be sure to book in advance.

Bruges Cobbled streets, indulgent chocolate, weaving canals, and elegant architecture; it’s impossible not to fall in love with this romantic destination. The food and drink on offer is exceptional; sip on a locally brewed beer in a medieval cellar or tuck into a Belgiam waffle in a rustic tearoom. If visiting in the warmer months, there’s plenty of green spaces to enjoy. In Minnewater Park, you’ll find the famous ‘Lovers Bridge’; folklore says that couples that cross the bridge together are destined to share eternal love. During the festive period, the town becomes a winter wonderland, with gingerbread-like houses and the perfect cosy atmosphere.

La Havre

With unmistakable seaside vibes and a thriving arts scene, this hidden gem has so much to offer. The area was heavily targeted in World War II, but has been rebuilt in the most magnificent way, resulting in lots of incredible architecture. The lantern-like tower within St Joseph’s Church is a key monument within the city’s skyline and is well worth seeing close-up. There’s over 12,000 multi-coloured glass windows fixed into the concrete structure, making for a magnificent sight when the sun is beaming through.

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No need to choose between a great holiday and a great price

Imagine a holiday with exciting entertainment every evening, delicious dishes to savour, fun activities for all ages, a whole variety of places to dive into and some glistening sea views in between… Sounds too good to be true, right?

With P&O Cruises, it isn’t. On their holidays, you can relax, taste and explore to your heart’s content, all for an excellent price. Because they know that’s the recipe for a holiday like never before.

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Cruise

Anchored together

Ann Smith, Assistant Manager at Louth Travel, explored the Mediterranean with husband Jez, and their teenage son, Harry, on a cruise with operator Celebrity during July.

Ann said: “I knew we’d get value for money with Celebrity, and we love cruising as a family; it’s such a relaxing way to travel, with lots of great food on offer and guided tours organised for you, plus you get to see somewhere new every day. The route really appealed to me, too - we’d never been to Greece before, so this was the perfect way to tick off a couple of locations.”

Setting sail from Rome, the ship made its way to the port in Naples. From here, the family joined a guided tour of Capri, an Italian island with exceptional natural beauty, resulting in some breathtaking viewpoints. They took a chairlift to the mountain’s summit in Anacapri and enjoyed panoramic views of the Gulf of Naples.

Ann said: “We opted to take tours that were organised by Celebrity, as it gave you extra security; they have close contact with the supplier, so it meant that if anything were to go wrong and you got held up, the ship wouldn’t leave without you! The suppliers they used were also local to each area we visited, so they knew their routes well and were able to give you fantastic insider information.”

The family had two days at sea before their next stop in Kusadasi, Turkey, where they browsed the local shops and wandered the marina area, before heading back to the ship for some more sunbathing, ensuring they were well-rested for the adventures that followed.

Ann said: “We spent our sea days relaxing by the pool, and in the evenings, we watched the Olympics at the rooftop bar. Harry is a real foodie, so he absolutely loved the restaurants onboard, and being able to indulge in delicacies like lobster!”

Santorini, one of Greece’s more exclusive islands, was the family’s next stop. They departed the ship on a shuttle boat, as part of a guided tour. At their first stop in Oia village, the family saw the traditional blue dome roofs and white churches facing out to a dazzling blue sea, before taking a cable car up the Caldera cliffs to the island’s capital, Fira.

The following day, they explored Mykonos, visiting some incredible beaches and the monastery of Panagia Tourliani in Ano Mera village, which is more authentic and relaxed compared to Mykonos Town. A local taverna served them up a traditional meal, consisting of local cheese, olives, lamb meatballs, and stuffed vine leaves.

This marked the end of their week-long cruise, and they departed the ship in Athens the next day. The family used this as an opportunity to see more Greek history, hiring a private tour guide to show them the sights.

Ann said: “Cruising is a great way to travel as a family; this is the second one we’ve been on, and we’ve got our next one booked in for May!” Click here to find out more about our upcoming cruise and escorted touring show.

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Let us help you switch off We can give you the space you need for quality time together…

...so you can reconnect in real life Speak to us in branch today www.lincolnshire.coop/storefinder

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*Available exclusively to Lincolnshire Co-op members between 27/12/24 – 31/01/25. If you’re not a member, ask a colleague in branch 28 for details.

Minimum spend Prosecco or non-alcoholic option of Click here to find£250. your local branch Belvoir Elderflower Presse is subject to availability, whilst stocks last.

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